From the Manse

Although it may be a little early, may I wish you a happy and blessed
Easter? The churches in Streetly will be celebrating the Easter season
with a number of different services.

The Gospel writers Matthew, Mark and Luke all begin their accounts
of the first Easter with the angel confronting Mary Magdalene at the
empty tomb with the words “He is not here!” It is interesting that the
angel never said where Jesus was and Mary left puzzled and
perplexed.

Today many people seem to regret that churches are no longer left
open. Sadly the problems of vandalism and theft have made this
impractical, even churches that try to open can often find their
insurance policy invalid.

So many churches can look forbidding when the doors are closed. I
read of a person who on visiting a church found the doors firmly
locked. However, there was a large friendly looking notice pinned to
the doors that said ‘I am out there’.

Mary Magdalene quickly realised that Jesus was no longer tied to one
place. There was to be no visiting the shrine week in, week out but
Jesus was to be found in places of need and want.

If we want to find Jesus today, we do so by being involved in the world
outside the church. It is being His witnesses in the community that we
not only serve Jesus but also find Him.

Go, tell the followers of your Lord
Their Jesus is to life restored,
He lives to quicken humankind,
He lives that all his life may find.
Charles Wesley (Singing the Faith 294)